Lustfilled Attraction: BWWM ✔️ (completed)

Chapter 6: Don't Do It

Raya

The woman was stunning, like a walking advertisement for a life I could only dream of. Her tightly coiled, dark hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail that accentuated her high cheekbones. Her skin, a shade of caramel touched by the sun, glowed. Big, almond-shaped eyes, framed by dramatic false lashes, stared me down, while her full lips, painted a bold red, seemed to purse in disapproval. Designer sandals, a matching purse, and diamond studs screamed money, and the flowing white dress she wore only added to the overall impression of effortless chic.

Of course, someone like her would know Jamal. The question was, how? And why was she accompanied by a little girl?

"Erica, what are you doing here?" Jamal's voice was tight, a stark contrast to the relaxed tone he'd been using with me just moments ago. His face, previously open and friendly, was now etched with annoyance.

The little girl, a miniature version of Erica with a sprinkling of Jamal's features, detached herself from her mother's side and ran towards him, her face lighting up. "Daddy!" she squealed, and my jaw practically hit the floor.

He had a whole kid? Dammit!

Now that I was paying closer attention, I could see the resemblance to Jamal. She had Erica's warm brown skin and soulful hazel eyes, but Jamal's curly hair, a delicate, pointed nose, and a sweet, heart-shaped face.

So, she was his baby mama. Ex-baby mama, judging by the tension in the air.

"Hey, baby girl." Jamal's voice softened considerably as he scooped her up and held her close, kissing her forehead. Harmony giggled, her small hands clutching at his neck.

Suddenly, I felt like I was intruding on something deeply personal. I awkwardly shuffled behind him, reaching for my bag. "Thanks for the tattoo, Jamal. I'll pay up front."

He seemed to remember I was even there, his gaze flicking to me with a slight start. "Yeah, good idea."

Erica's eyes raked over me, a flicker of distaste in their depths. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice sharp and accusatory.

I tilted my head, feigning confusion. "A client? Getting a tattoo?"

She planted her hands on her hips, her red nails glinting. "Don't get smart with me. It wouldn't be the first time Jamal's tried screwing around with a customer where he works." She fired the accusation directly at him, and his jaw tightened.

"Erica," he growled, a warning rumble in his voice.

"While that's none of my business, I'm not one of those girls. So, if you'll excuse me, I need to-"

"Daddy, who's that?" Harmony's voice, though a stage whisper, cut through the tension. "She's really pretty!"

A blush crept up my neck at the unexpected compliment from the little girl, so innocent and oblivious to the adult drama unfolding around her.

"Thank you, little one," I said, winking at her. "You are too."

Jamal looked between us, an unreadable expression on his face, before clearing his throat. "Sorry about this, Raya. My ex-wife here doesn't know when to quit with the drama."

Ex-wife?

Trying to conceal the surprise and disappointment that were warring within me, I offered a tight smile. "It's cool."

He smiled back, pointedly ignoring the daggers Erica was shooting his way.

At least I know he likes a little melanin in his life.

"Drama? It's not drama when it's happened before! Excuse me for having trust issues!" Erica retorted, her voice rising in pitch.

I just wanted to escape, but she was effectively blocking my path to the door, and I wasn't about to try and squeeze past her. Not with those claws she was sporting.

Jamal sighed heavily, gently setting Harmony down. She glanced at me shyly before burrowing back between his legs, clinging to his jeans. Lucky kid.

"Enough, Erica. We're not together anymore. And you still haven't told me why you're here. Now, could you move? Raya's trying to leave."

"I can't take Harmony with me today," Erica announced, as if the child was an inconvenience. "I have things to do, and you're not busy, so can you take her for the day?"

I had no option but to become a spectator. I settled back onto the tattoo chair, crossing my legs.

"I can't do that. I have clients lined up all day," Jamal said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Why can't she go with you? You're her mother!"

"And you're her father! So spend some damn time with her!" Erica snapped back. They launched into a silent battle of wills, Harmony caught in the crossfire. Her wide, hazel eyes flickered to me again, and I bit the inside of my cheek.

Don't do it.

I saw the telltale shimmer of tears welling in her eyes, and my heart clenched.

Don't do it...

She pouted, wrapping her arms around herself and burying her face in Jamal's leg.

Don't fucking do it.

"I could watch her for you," I blurted out, cringing internally.

You fucking did it.

He's fine, he has tattoos, AND he's a daddy?????!

Put me in coach 🫡